Academic interests

Dr. Brann explores the integration of health, interpersonal, and gendered communication. Primary research interests focus on the study of ethical issues in health communication contexts and promotion of healthy lifestyle behaviors. Specifically, Dr. Brann seeks to understand communicative negotiations regarding women’s health issues, the many facets of patient confidentiality in health care communication, promotion of preventive screenings and physical activity, safety education, gender constructions, and family relationships. Theoretically, Dr. Brann researches communication at both the micro and macro levels. She studies how communication influences the aforementioned areas in relationships among individuals and with the social world. Methodologically, her research questions guide the specific data-gathering techniques employed and include interviews, focus groups, observations, and surveys.

Teaching

Health Communication, Nonverbal Communication, Qualitative Research Methods, Family Communication, Gender Communication, Relational Communication

Awards

Central States Communication Association Federation Prize
University Center for Teaching and Learning Curriculum Enhancement Grant
Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research Release Time for Research (RTR) grant
School of Liberal Arts Summer Research grant
Diverse Researchers with InVestigative Expertise (DRIVE) grant 
Honorable Mention, NIOSH Intervention Evaluation Contest, National Occupational Injury Research Symposium
Top Paper, Applied Communication Interest Group, Eastern Communication Association, Philadelphia, PA, 2015
Top Paper, Nonverbal Communication Interest Group, Eastern Communication Association, Providence, RI, 2014
Top Four Paper, Interpersonal Communication Division, National Communication Association, Washington, D.C., 2013
Eberly College of Arts & Science Outstanding Teacher Nominee, West Virginia University, 2013
Recognized as one of the most prolific scholars (top 1%) in Communication Studies, 2007-2011
Top Four Paper, Applied Communication Division, National Communication Association, San Diego, CA, 2010
Top Paper, Interpersonal Communication Interest Group, Eastern Communication Association, Baltimore, MD, 2010
Top Paper, Instructional/Developmental Communication Division, International Communication Association, Montreal, Canada, 2008
Top Four Paper, Interpersonal and Small Group Interest Group, Central States Communication Association, Minneapolis, MN, 2007
Top Four Paper, Interpersonal and Small Group Interest Group, Central States Communication Association, Indianapolis, IN, 2006
Lambda Pi Eta National Communication Association Rookie Advisor of the Year Nominee, 2005
Top Paper, Interpersonal and Small Group Interest Group, Central States Communication Association, Cleveland, OH, 2004
Top Paper, Health Communication Interest Group, Central States Communication Association, Cleveland, OH, 2004

Publications

Brann, M. (2015). Contemporary Case Studies in Health Communication: Theoretical & Applied Approaches (2nd ed.). Dubuque, IA: Kendall/Hunt.
More than 50 publications in communication and health journals and books (see CV).

Service

NCA Seminar Series Planner, 2016
Research Advisory Committee, School of Liberal Arts, 2015-
Chapter Advisor, Global Medical Brigades at IUPUI, 2015-
CSCA Interpersonal Communication Interest Group Chair, 2014
Editorial Board Member, Communication Education, Communication Studies, Southern Communication Journal, Communication Research Reports